Need help getting a laptop

[Mackey]

One of my kids assures me he needs a laptop for school work. I'm not looking for one for gaming, but a decent one with wireless and with MS office. Any suggestions?
I may try a pawn shop... not sure. I'm wanting to spend less than $300.

 

[Double T]

Don't use MS office, its over priced. Get whatever and run open office. It's virtually the same thing, and is free ware.

Apache OpenOffice - The Free and Open Productivity Suite

Craigslist has had some killer laptops in the 250 range lately....

 

[edporch]

Don't use MS office, its over priced. Get whatever and run open office. It's virtually the same thing, and is free ware.

Apache OpenOffice - The Free and Open Productivity Suite

Craigslist has had some killer laptops in the 250 range lately....

Good advice.

But you can also use LibreOffice as another alternative.

https://www.libreoffice.org/

 

[JimmyR]

I got my mother a laptop on Craigslist. You have to be selective and patient, but you can find a decent one there.

Her only requirements were that she wanted to be able to make out tests and play Farmtown.

 

[DocGlock86]

I agree finding one on craigslist (as long as your sure you are getting the better end of the deal) and the openoffice software. I've used openoffice for a very long time and haven't had any issues with it.

 

[The Glockantuan]

Google docs! Never looked back since I switched over from open office. Plus its cross platform for OS's so that's a plus for me as well.

If I were getting a computer used off craigslist/ebay; I'd make sure that it came with the OS and driver cds, and if the seller hadn't already wiped the drive fresh I'd do so immediately and install fresh. Better safe than sorry; you don't know what might have been on there before. Also, if theres ever anything wrong with the comp, you'll need those cds/dvds to reinstall the operating system, and you don't want to have to fork over $$$ to get that back.

How old is your kid? If not that far from college, a new/decent laptop might be worth the investment...but if it's only for office applications you should buy a piece of junk and throw ubuntu linux on it. That way you don't have to worry about viruses.

Even though they cost a lot, and Apple nickle and dimes you in every way imaginable (just like M$), Macbooks will far outlast PCs hands down. You could probably find a decent refurb'd macbook for a little bit more than what you intended and your kid would have a solid computer that would last he/she until they could afford to buy themselves whatever they wanted.

Just my

 

[Mackey]

Don't use MS office, its over priced. Get whatever and run open office. It's virtually the same thing, and is free ware.

Apache OpenOffice - The Free and Open Productivity Suite

Craigslist has had some killer laptops in the 250 range lately....

Thanks for the tips to all.
I'm reading that it can open and safe documents from other software. So I'm guessing he can open a MS word doc?

 

[PistolBob]

Walmart has several new in the box Compaqs right now for $300 and less. For $300 you can get new instead of used. Then use Google Docs.

 

[perry]

Walmart has several new in the box Compaqs right now for $300 and less. For $300 you can get new instead of used. Then use Google Docs.

Yea I'd prefer new rather than used as well. $300 should get a machine that's great for Facebook and typing papers.

Unfortunately, MS Office isn't cheap. There's a Home & Student edition that is around $120 if you find that Google docs or Open Office won't cut it. Open Office can open MS Word documents and save in that format as well.

 

[No2rdame]

Personally, I'd avoid used laptops like the plague only because you don't know the use and abuse they've been through. No telling if it's been dropped around, exposed to moisture, etc. The exterior may not necessarily show all the things it's had happen to it. Plus, computer components such as hard drives, etc. are so flaky at times you never know. Not to mention, some people don't really have a clue on PCs and may have deleted or somehow corrupted files that can be a headache to address for a lot of people.

I'd spend a little more to buy new. And people are right, MS products are a bit pricy and there are equally good free comps out there that would be just fine for a student.

 

[IndyColtsFaithful]

One of my kids assures me he needs a laptop for school work. I'm not looking for one for gaming, but a decent one with wireless and with MS office. Any suggestions?
I may try a pawn shop... not sure. I'm wanting to spend less than $300.

If your kid is an Indiana university student he has free access to lots of software including office for free through IUWare.

 

[mrjarrell]

Thanks for the tips to all.
I'm reading that it can open and safe documents from other software. So I'm guessing he can open a MS word doc?

Yep. Open Office can open and save in multiple formats. You're good to go with it. I've been using it for years and have had no problems with it. Does everything that MS Office does and it's free. I'll also second the new vs. used. Wally World usually has some pretty good deals on wintel machines and now would be a good time to get one, (before they force you into Windows 8).

 

[Indy_Guy_77]

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Acer-Red-...um-with-Windows-8-Pro-Upgrade-Option/19714368

Is a great place to start.

I'd look to upgrade the RAM almost immediately on that one, though.

-J-

 

[indyjoe]

Do a search for "Software for Starving Students". The last version was released in 2007, I believe. But it is a great list of those open source freeware apps available to replace some paid apps that you can't afford. Office as described. GIMP vs Photoshop. Etc.

 

[hooky]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...lerTryTab=0&Tid=17489&Order=PRICE&PageSize=20

I've had good luck with newegg.com.

 

[drillsgt]

If your kid is an Indiana university student he has free access to lots of software including office for free through IUWare.

Most colleges have licensing agreements with MS so he/she should be able to pick up Office for about 20.00 to free.

 

[OneBadV8]

You know, if you have a windows live ID (hotmail email, msn, etc) or sign up for one you can create Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote files for free. Even comes with free online storage.

http://skydrive.live.com

How expensive is MS Office again?

 

[indyjoe]

You know, if you have a windows live ID (hotmail email, msn, etc) or sign up for one you can create Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote files for free. Even comes with free online storage.

http://skydrive.live.com

How expensive is MS Office again?

That, like Google Docs, only works when you are internet connected. Sometimes that is a solution for people, sometimes not.

I've used enough personal and enterprise level clouds services to know that the few times it doesn't work is right when you need it.

 

[looney2ns]

I agree, stay away from used. Laptops tend to be abused very badly.
Lots of good back to school sales going on now.
Keep an eye out here:
TechBargains: Best Deals, Dell Coupons, Cheap Laptops, Computer Sales
Deals on Techbargains sometimes are for a very limited time, so ya gotta be quick.

Here has some good deals currently:
TigerDirect.com - Electronics, Tablets, Phones, Office Supplies & Video Games

 

[meyer4589]

I bought a new Gateway M-Series laptop when I was a freshman in college, I've had the thing going on 6 years now and I've never had a problem with it. And another plus 1 for Open Office.